Same Math › Grades K–1 › Counting on and back
What is counting on?
Counting on means starting from a number and counting up, instead of starting from 1. For 8 + 3, say "8" and count three more: 9, 10, 11. Counting back works the same way for subtracting.
- Start at 8. Don't count it again.
- Count three more: 9, 10, 11.
- 8 + 3 = 11
Why schools teach it
It's the first step away from counting everything
Young kids often solve 8 + 3 by counting out 8 fingers, then 3 more, then counting all 11. Counting on skips the first part. Kindergartners learn to count forward from any number (K.CC.A.2), and first graders use counting on to add and subtract (1.OA.C.5).
It's meant for small jumps of 1, 2 or 3. For bigger ones, kids move on to making ten and doubles.
At the kitchen table
What to say, and what to skip
Say this
Which number is bigger? Start there.
Starting from 8 for 3 + 8 means only 3 counts.Put 8 in your head and count on.
A favorite classroom phrase.How many did you count on?
Keeping track of the count is the hard part.Can you count back 2 from 10?
Skip this
- Starting the count on the first number.For 8 + 3, the first count is 9, not 8. This is the most common slip.
- Counting on for big jumps.8 + 7 by counting on is slow and error-prone. Making ten is better.
Just memorize it.
Fluency comes in 1st and 2nd grade. Counting on is a step on the way.
See it in action
Solving 12 − 3 by counting back
Start at 12
Count back three
11, 10, 9Where you stop is the answer
12 − 3 = 9
Holding up one finger for each count keeps track of how many.
Free practice sheet
Make a counting on sheet
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Parents: tell your child's teacher about this guide
Parents also ask
When should my child stop counting on?
For small jumps it stays useful. For facts like 8 + 7, making ten and doubles are faster.
Should my child use fingers?
Yes, for keeping track of how many they've counted. That's normal in kindergarten and 1st grade.
Why start with the bigger number?
Adding works in either order, so starting big means fewer counts.
Does counting back work for big subtraction?
Only for small amounts. For 15 − 8, thinking addition (8 + ? = 15) is easier.